Friday, July 29, 2011

Good Grief

Before I was afflicted I went astray, but now I have kept Your word. It is good that I have been afflicted, that I may learn Your statutes. Psalms 119:67,71 (NKJV)

The first time I was afflicted was when I was a little girl. I was too young to know what the word “afflicted” meant, I just knew that it hurt.

Although the suffering was not of my own making, it was the beginning of my relationship with God. When my mother and father abandoned me, it was the Lord who took care of me. In addition to providing food, clothing, shelter and education. Most importantly, He gave his word, love, and love of others.

From the very beginning, I learned and still do trust and depend on Him. Through all my experiences, I know and tell others that He will never leave nor forsake us.

My current season of affliction is much like David’s. David made a wrong decision with Bathsheba. It didn’t matter that he caused his own afflictions, God still used it to shape him and make him grow. In the same way, I have wandered from God through poor choices, but my heavenly Father lovingly corrected me. But may the Lord of all grace, who called us to His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a while perfect, establish, strengthen and settle you. 1 Peter 5:10 (NKJV)

When I am afflicted, it helps me to remember that God is in control and that He has my best in mind. He will use it to cleanse me and I, in turn can encourage others in their afflictions.

Thank You Father for the blessing of affliction, through it lessons, I have learned your love, faithfulness, mercy and grace.